 Saddles are an intricate part of Western history. Although they may not be the star, you can't picture a cowboy riding into the sunset without his saddle. Saddles have carried knights and soldiers through battle since the Dark Ages. Saddle's styles have changed and adapted to work for specific uses. The Western Stock Saddle originated from the Spanish War Saddle, and the design has evolved into a tool for the working cowboy. The Western Stock Saddle is unique from others because it has a tree, sturdy stirrups, a cinch, and a horn. The horn is used to dally a lariat when the cowboy has roped an animal. The cowboy's connection to nature is evident through the construction of a saddle. Although some parts of a tree are now synthetic, a traditional saddle is made of mostly natural materials. The tree is made of a combination of hardwoods and lighterwoods, such as maple, aspen, and pine. It is wrapped in rawhide to make it strong. Layers of leather are then cut and molded to make up the parts of the saddle. Saddle makers can produce beautiful works of art with intricate floral designs carved into the leather. A well-built and cared-for saddle will hold up to many years of hard writing. Thankfully, the art of traditional saddlemaking lives on because there's no better way to experience nature in Wyoming than horseback on a handcrafted saddle. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Mae Smith, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.